In May 2017, Trooper Tamra Winchell assisted the Ravalli County Sheriff's department by responding to a house fire in the Florence area. Trooper Winchell was the first responder to the scene. Utilizing a door within the garage, she ran into the smoke-filled house and located a female in the living room. Trooper Winchell discovered that this female was not only frantic and delusional, but that she had no intentions of fleeing the burning residence. Actively refusing to leave the house, Trooper Winchell had to forcibly pull the resisting female outside. Trooper Winchell then entered the burning residence a second time. She did a quick search for other occupants and pets and, not finding any, was able to get out again without serious injury. It was later determined that the highly intoxicated female had started the fire intentionally and then had remained in the room – possibly in an attempt to commit suicide. She was subsequently charged with arson. Following the event, Trooper Winchell was treated for smoke inhalation. Trooper Winchell acted with heroism and bravery during this incident. She exposed herself to life-threatening peril – reacting to a very dangerous situation without regard for her personal safety. Her successful efforts to save the life of another person – while placing her own safety in jeopardy is commendable